Vehicle locking and/or parking brake

ABSTRACT

A wheel locking or parking brake assembly for a vehicle. In one embodiment, the wheel locking or parking brake assembly includes a plate member affixed to a wheel or axle having a plurality of closely spaced holes in a circular configuration or a circumferential flange with a peripheral extension or lug; an electrically powered pin advancing and retracting means; the pin adapted to engage and pass into any of the holes or advance in the path of the extension or lug; electric power supply and electric current polarity reversing means, wherein in operation, the pin remains in either an advanced or retracted position depending on the direction of the current when the electric power was switched off.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to vehicular equipment and accessories in particular but not exclusively to a locking and/or parking brake for a vehicle wheel or axle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicle parking brakes are known. While their general purpose is to stop a vehicle from moving while it is parked, due to prior art design constraints and limitations, modern parking brakes generally operate as an auxiliary (as opposed to an independent) mechanism to the existing braking system. For example, they can be a cable operated system to activate the hydraulic drum brakes or disc brake callipers normally used for general braking of a vehicle. As such, they can be readily deactivated to allow the vehicle to be driven. Where there is repetitive use resulting in normal wear and tear, parking brake mechanisms have to be routinely maintained and adjusted to affect safe and full operational service.

Parking brakes however are unsuitable where total vehicle immobility and security are required. This is of particular importance in towed vehicles such as boat trailers, tradesman's work trailers and caravans which are often stolen by the deactivation of their braking or immobilisation apparatus. The obvious prior art solution to this problem is the wheel clamp. Applying a wheel clamping device to a vehicle wheel is time consuming, especially for tradespeople who have to visit several worksites in a day, and can be difficult for the elderly or disabled to use.

One example and possibly the closest prior art to the present invention is that disclosed by GB2276597A (Miles et. al.). This patent discloses a wheel clamping device, particularly to prevent the theft of a trailer. It includes an electrically operable means in the form of an electromagnet mounted on the axle of a vehicle adjacent a wheel to be clamped. The electromagnet, in effect a solenoid, causes a locking pin to be held in a withdrawn position when the solenoid is energised and to engage an aperture in a locking plate attached to the wheel when the solenoid is de-energised.

The major disadvantage with this prior art device is that the locking pin will engage the locking plate as soon as the solenoid is de-energised. This can have disastrous consequences if the power supply fails when the vehicle is moving. In the patent, there is a description of a mechanical failsafe device to prevent this from happening when the vehicle is moving. The necessity and inconvenience of having to operate a separate failsafe device makes this invention too cumbersome and complicated a solution to the problem. In addition, the possibility of failing to remember to operate the “failsafe” device is itself a highly dangerous factor.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the invention to ameliorate some or all of the above disadvantages of the prior art by providing a novel and innovative vehicle locking and/or parking brake which avoids or ameliorates the problems of the prior art.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

In one aspect therefore the invention resides in a wheel locking or parking brake for a vehicle including a combination:

-   -   a plate member adapted to be affixed to a wheel or an axle of         the wheel of the vehicle;     -   the plate having a plurality of evenly and closely spaced holes         in a circular configuration;     -   electrically powered pin advancing and retracting means;     -   the pin adapted to engage and pass into any of the holes;     -   electric power supply and electric current polarity reversing         means,     -   wherein in operation,     -   electric current flowing in a first direction causes the pin to         advance and engage a hole to lock the wheel from rotating, and         wherein current flowing in a second and opposite direction         causes the pin to retract from the hole to allow the wheel to         rotate and wherein the pin remains in either an advanced or         retracted position depending when the electric power is switched         off.

In another example the invention resides in a wheel locking or parking brake for a vehicle including a combination:

-   -   a plate member adapted to be affixed to a wheel or an axle of         the wheel of the vehicle;     -   the plate having a circumferential flange with a peripheral         extension or protrusion;     -   electrically powered pin advancing and retracting means;     -   the pin adapted to engage the extension or protrusion;     -   electric power supply and electric current polarity reversing         means,     -   wherein in operation,     -   electric current flowing in a first direction causes the pin to         advance in the path of the extension or protrusion to lock the         wheel from rotating, and wherein current flowing in a second and         opposite direction causes the pin to retract from the path of         the extension or protrusion to allow the wheel to rotate and         wherein the pin remains in either an advanced or retracted         position depending when the electric power is switched off.

The pin will not adopt the alternate position unless electric current flowing in the opposite direction to that prior to being switched off is resupplied to the pin advancing and retracting means.

Preferably, the plate member is a disc of a disc brake assembly of the vehicle. In the alternative the plate member can be an auxiliary disc plate having apertures or slots to accommodate various wheel stud configurations adapted to be secured to the vehicle wheel by its wheel studs and wheel nuts.

Preferably, the holes are circular and the pin has a tapered end for facilitating entry into the holes. Where the plate member is the disc of the disc brake assembly of the vehicle, the closely spaced holes are preferably located at the peripheral or circumferential region of the disc to avoid weakening the area of the disc swept by disc pads of the calliper.

Preferably, the peripheral extension or protrusion is a lug located on the rim of the flange.

Preferably, the electric power supply and electric current polarity recovery means is a twelve volt battery coupled to a polarity reversing switch which is electrically operated by remote control.

In addition, the electric power supply can also include the vehicles battery wherein the polarity reversing switch is operable via the vehicles existing electric system.

Preferably, the pin advancing and retracting means is comprised of a lockable and weatherproof housing containing and locating a reversible electric motor adapted to operate a rack and pinion assembly wherein the rack operates or comprises the pin driven by a pinion gear on the motor between the advanced and the retracted pin positions.

Preferably, the electric motor is affixed to one hinged portion of the housing and the rack located in the other hinged portion such that when the housing is opened, the electric motor and pinion is disengaged from the rack thereby comprising a safety override wherein the pin can be manually retracted or advanced as required.

Preferably, the hinged housing has a lock to keep the hinged portions locked together as a security measure.

Preferably, the pin advancing and retracting means is affixed to a mounting plate'which is fixed in place by u-bolts securing the axle to the springs of the vehicle.

Preferably, the mounting plate is of a universal design application adapted to fit a range of vehicle wheel stud patterns.

In the case of where the braking disc of an existing disc brake system also comprises the plate member, the pin advancing and retracting means may be mounted directly to the disc brake calliper or its support means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the invention to be better understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein;

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a preferred example of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows an assembled view of the example of FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 shows a preferred pin advancing and retracting means according to the invention.

FIG. 4 shows an integrated disc brake version of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a circumferential flange with a peripheral extension or protrusion of the invention, and

FIG. 6 shows an assembled view of the flange of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown an exploded view of a preferred example of the invention. In this embodiment the circular plate 10 has evenly and closely-spaced holes 12,14,16 in a circular configuration located substantially at the periphery or circumferential region of the plate. The plate has slots or apertures 38,20,22 by which it can be affixed to the disc hub 23 by means of wheel nuts (not shown) tightened over the wheel studs 24,26,28. In this example, there are anti-wear ferrules 19,21 which are located between the slots and the wheel studs. The pin advancing and retracting mechanism (not shown) is housed in a robust hinged weatherproof container 30 having a keyed security lock 32. The housing is mounted to the mounting plate 34 adapted to be bolted to underside of the springs 36 via axle u-bolts 38, 40.

FIG. 2 shows the components of FIG. 3. fully assembled. The plate 10 has been located by the wheel studs 24,26,28 to the disc hub 23. The pin 42 is shown in the advanced position engaging and passing through a hole 44 in the peripheral region of the plate preventing the plate 10, disc hub 23 and wheel (not shown)from rotating in either direction of arrow indicator 46.

FIG. 3 shows detail of components of the pin advancing and retracting means comprising a housing in the form of a weatherproof hinged container 30 secured with a keyed lock 32. On opening the housing, the reversing electric motor 48 and pinion gear 50 fixed on hinged portion 51 is separated from rack 52 which advances and retracts pin 54 located in hinged portion 53. This functions as a safety override mechanism wherein the pin can be manually advanced or retracted should the power supply fail.

FIG. 4 shows an integrated disc brake version of the invention. The disc 60 of the disc brake assembly has peripherally located holes 62, 64, 66 for engagement by the pin 68. In all other aspects, the invention functions the same way.

FIG. 5 shows a plate 70 having a circumferential flange 72 with a peripheral extension or protrusion as a lug 74 located on the rim of the flange. The plate has apertures 76,78,80,82, by which it can be affixed to be secured to the vehicle by its wheel studs and wheel nuts (not shown).

FIG. 6 shows an assembled view of the flange of FIG. 5. The plate 70 has been located by the wheel studs 84, 86, 88 to the disc hub 90. The pin 92 is shown in the advanced position adapted to engage peripheral lug 74 preventing the plate 70, disc hub 90 and wheel (not shown) from rotating in either direction of arrow indicator 92.

It will be obvious from a commercial perspective that the invention can be easily installed as an aftermarket accessory by persons of modest mechanical knowledge and skills. It will also be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention may also be factory installed as part of original manufacturers equipment. Furthermore, as the invention can be adapted to be activated by a remote control, it will be very useful to end users such as trade persons, the disabled and the elderly who require a means of parking and securing their trailers or vehicles that is quick and convenient to operate.

Variations

It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

In the specification the terms “comprising” and “containing” shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term “including” and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the terms “comprising” and “containing” such as “comprise”, “comprises”, “contain” and “contains”. 

1.-12. (canceled)
 13. A wheel locking or parking brake assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a plate member configured to be affixed to a wheel or an axle of the vehicle, the plate member having a plurality of evenly spaced holes in a circular configuration; an electrically powered pin assembly comprising a weatherproof housing having an electric motor disposed therein, the electric motor configured to operate a rack and pinion assembly where a rack is configured to be driven by a pinion gear on the electric motor thereby retracting or advancing a locking pin that is configured to engage at least one of the plurality of evenly spaced holes; where the electric motor is affixed to a first portion of the weatherproof housing and the rack is affixed to a second portion of the weatherproof housing such that when the weatherproof housing is opened, the electric motor and the pinion gear are disengaged from the rack thereby comprising a safety override mechanism where the locking pin can be manually retracted or advanced; and an electric power supply; where electric current flowing in a first direction causes the locking pin to advance and engage a hole to lock the wheel from rotating, and where current flowing in a second and opposite direction causes the locking pin to retract from the hole to allow the wheel to rotate; and where the locking pin remains in either an advanced or retracted position depending on whether the electric power supply is switched off.
 14. The wheel locking or parking brake assembly of claim 13, where the plate member comprises a disc of a disc brake assembly for the vehicle.
 15. The wheel locking or parking brake assembly of claim 13, where the plate member comprises an auxiliary disc having a plurality of wheel stud engaging apertures to accommodate various wheel stud configurations, the auxiliary disc configured to be secured to the vehicle wheel via a plurality of wheel studs and a plurality of respective wheel nuts.
 16. The wheel locking or parking brake assembly of claim 13, where the plurality of evenly spaced holes are circular and the locking pin has a tapered end for facilitating entry into the holes.
 17. The wheel locking or parking brake assembly of claim 13, where the electric power supply comprises a battery coupled to a polarity reversing switch which is electrically operated by a remote control.
 18. The wheel locking or parking brake assembly of claim 13, where the electric power supply comprises a vehicles battery and where a polarity reversing switch is operable via the vehicles existing electric system.
 19. The wheel locking or parking brake assembly of claim 13, where the weatherproof housing further comprises a lock configured to keep the weatherproof housing locked as a security measure.
 20. The wheel locking or parking brake assembly of claim 13, where the electrically powered pin assembly is affixed to a mounting plate, the mounting plate being affixed in place by one or more U-bolts configured to secure the axle to one or more springs of the vehicle.
 21. The wheel locking or parking brake assembly of claim 20, where the mounting plate is of a universal design that is configured to fit a differing range of vehicles.
 22. The wheel locking or parking brake assembly of claim 13, where the electrically powered pin assembly is mounted directly to a disc brake calliper or a disc brake calliper supporting structure.
 23. A wheel locking or parking brake assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a plate member configured to be affixed to a wheel or an axle of the vehicle, the plate member having a circumferential flange with a peripheral extension or protrusion; an electrically powered pin assembly comprising a weatherproof housing having an electric motor disposed therein, the electric motor configured to operate a rack and pinion assembly, where a rack is configured to be driven by a pinion gear on the electric motor thereby retracting or advancing a locking pin; where the electric motor is affixed to a first portion of the weatherproof housing and the rack is affixed to a second portion of the weatherproof housing such that when the weatherproof housing is opened, the electric motor and the pinion gear are disengaged from the rack thereby comprising a safety override mechanism where the locking pin can be manually retracted or advanced; and where the locking pin is configured to engage the peripheral extension or protrusion; and an electric power supply; where electric current flowing in a first direction causes the locking pin to advance in the path of the extension or protrusion to lock the wheel from rotating, and where current flowing in a second and opposite direction causes the locking pin to retract from the path of the extension or protrusion to allow the wheel to rotate; and where the locking pin remains in either an advanced or retracted position depending on whether the electric power supply is switched off.
 24. The wheel locking or parking brake assembly of claim 23, where the plate member comprises a disc of a disc brake assembly for the vehicle.
 25. The wheel locking or parking brake assembly of claim 23, where the plate member comprises an auxiliary disc having a plurality of wheel stud engaging apertures to accommodate various wheel stud configurations, the auxiliary disc configured to be secured to the vehicle wheel via a plurality of wheel studs and a plurality of respective wheel nuts.
 26. The wheel locking or parking brake assembly of claim 23, where the peripheral extension or protrusion comprises a lug located on the circumferential flange.
 27. The wheel locking or parking brake assembly of claim 23, where the electric power supply comprises a battery coupled to a polarity reversing switch which is electrically operated by a remote control.
 28. The wheel locking or parking brake assembly of claim 23, where the electric power supply comprises a vehicles battery and where a polarity reversing switch is operable via the vehicles existing electric system.
 29. The wheel locking or parking brake assembly of claim 23, where the weatherproof housing further comprises a lock configured to keep the weatherproof housing locked as a security measure.
 30. The wheel locking or parking brake assembly of claim 23, where the electrically powered pin assembly is affixed to a mounting plate, the mounting plate being affixed in place by one or more U-bolts configured to secure the axle to one or more springs of the vehicle.
 31. The wheel locking or parking brake assembly of claim 30, where the mounting plate is of a universal design that is configured to fit a differing range of vehicles.
 32. The wheel locking or parking brake assembly of claim 23, where the electrically powered pin assembly is mounted directly to a disc brake calliper or a disc brake calliper supporting structure. 